Why

Original EcoTheatre

Why?

It is challenging to look the truth of the environmental
situation fully in the face without succumbing variously to overwhelm,
denial, joyless struggle, despair, hate, harshness, frenzied bouts of
unsustainable effort, fear, the grabbing and shaking of people urgently
by the lapels, and so on.

These responses are deeply human, and most of us experience some or all
at times. But acting from these responses may not be effective in
fostering change in attitudes, behaviours or policy – and can be
erosive to one’s own spirit.

Restless Natives is one attempt to address the issues we face together
whilst also supporting our own joy, love, energy and openness – and
hoping to transmit some of that.

What’s in the name?

The phrase dates from the days of British colonial rule. To the sound
of distant drums a stiff-upper-lipped, pith-helmeted officer observes,
“The natives are restless tonight, sir”.

We take this phrase, turn it on its head and apply it universally. We
consider ourselves all native to the good earth and this beautiful
planet – whatever our place of origin. And we are indeed restless!